Elder Advocates Of Alberta Society

Lacombe long-term care deficiencies

A review and audit began in April 2017 after “SERIOUS CONCERNS” about the QUALITY OF CARE at
the Lacombe long-term care facility were raised by Red Deer College practical nurse students
completing their practicums at the health-care centre.

Three staff members have been placed on leave.

Training deficiencies, unsanitary conditions and a lack of safety around medications were
found at the centre.
A total of 75 residents live in the long-term care portion of the health centre.

The statement was released shortly after the Wildrose Party HIGHLIGHTED THE ISSUE DURING
QUESTION PERIOD in the legislature and released leaked documents from the audit.

According to the DOCUMENTS the AUDIT UNCOVERED:

• Inconsistently updated care plans and patient charting;
• Incomplete fall risk assessments, dietary assessments, vital signs monitoring and wound
care interventions;
• Deficient training for staff in infection control, medication management, dementia care,
CPR, use of restraints, fall prevention and choking response;
• Improper security of private client information;
• Presence of expired aseptic supplies such as wound care products and catheters;
• Dirty products stored with sterile products;
• Used client razors left unattended, and tubs found to be dirty;
• Soiled linen and garbage found to be overflowing into hallways;
• Unsafe medication practices, including a client administering his own insulin when it was
unclear if he was competent to do so;
• Medication rooms left unlocked;
• Poor documentation around whether clients had received required tooth brushing and bathing;
• Inconsistent practices to ensure safe water temperatures for bathing;
• High infection rates and antibiotic use.

WE APPLAUD THE RED DEER COLLEGE PRACTICAL NURSE STUDENTS FOR COMING FORWARD. We sincerely hope
that they will not be disciplined for coming forward.